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Corruption

Corruption is the abuse or misuse of public resources, power, and/or office 

for financial or other personal gains. It is the use of illegal and illegitimate means to 

acquire an advantage in private or public positions. Corrupt people lack the virtues 

of integrity, honesty, and moral principle. Corruption has greatly increased in the 

world since the late 1980s and early 1990s, with many post-communist countries in 

particular being greatly affected. There has been a lot of debate on the causes of 

corruption and the factors that have led to its spread and growth around the world.

Factors contributing to corruption

Neo-liberalism and corruption

One of the major factors that contributed to the apparent rise and spread 

of corruption, and which is a subject of ongoing debate, is the neo-liberalism that 

started in the 1970s and 1980s. Neo-liberalism is mainly about promoting free 

markets, trade, competition, and consumption as well as reduced state regulation, 

control, and other roles. More importance is placed on the end than the means. 

There is a lack of conceptuality and reduced emphasis on the rule of law in most 

corrupt societies where the process of liberalization has led to the weakening and 

delegitimizing of state power and control. 

There have been many arguments about the relationship between neo-liberal 

measures, including policies of free trade and investment, and corruption—especially 

in post-communist countries (Holmes, 1999). Neo-liberalism has been highly 

credited with economic growth and increased investment; it is seen as an important 

factor for development in many countries. However, as globalization takes effect and 

local and international enterprises compete for new markets and business ventures, 

corrupt business practices are inevitable. There are restrictions, obstacles, and 

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